Abidi persisted and worked as a journalist for nearly a decade after which he decided to devote his energies to getting a better deal for the disabled people in India.

Over the years, his efforts have forced the central and various state governments to be more sensitive to disabled people. However, he has had to fight long and hard for every concession.

His candidature is just another step in his struggle.

"Vote for a change," he tells Beena Dayal, who lives near Bengali Market.